Changing Seasons, Clear Skin

Ok, we’re almost there in this part of the world. We’re coming out of the deep, dark and loooong tunnel that is winter (at least we’d better be). But before we get there we’ve got to get through some wacky and unpredictable weather, because that’s spring in Toronto after all. With inconsistent temperatures and changing seasons come some skin challenges. I don’t know about you, but when the weather starts acting crazy with freezing temperatures one day and mild ones the next, my skin doesn’t know what hit it. Dry, flaky, oily, breaking out, clear, blackheads, whiteheads (I swear I’m starting to get wrinkles but that’s another story). It’s totally all over the place, just like the weather.

There are many ways to keep your skin fresh and prevent acne, blackheads and all their evil little friends. But the best ways to keep your skin clear are all about moisture and cleanliness, especially during transitional seasons. You not only need to think about your skin care routine, but your clothing and accessories. I know, you’re wondering what your closet has to do with clear, moisturized skin. It’s often overlooked, but your clothes and accessories could be the culprit, especially if you tend to break out on your chin or forehead.

Dry air means chapped lips so let’s blame winter for this one. Spring arrives and your skin rejoices in the added humidity in the air, but as we transition we get a little bit of both which can be even worse. Indecisive weather is problematic; however, I am also to blame as I like many of us am forgetful and busy. I am also a self-proclaimed fashionista and own a few (too many) jackets and purses. All too often I find myself out and about and suddenly in need of a dab of lip chap, but just switched purses and am wearing a different coat than the day before. What got left behind? The moisture!

To solve this problem, why not get just as many little moisturizing friends as you have coats!? Ok, maybe not for every single jacket and purse you own, but I like to keep a tubes of this or that on rotation in the coat pockets of the season. I’m certainly not telling you to go buy 5 or 6 tubes of your favourite and possibly pricey lip saver, but many of us have extras lying around. I have an overflowing makeup basket in my bathroom with lip glosses, chap sticks, and the like. It doesn’t need to be specific, in a moisture-emergency anything will do and you’ll be happy to have it! It’s more useful in your pocket than in your drawer anyway.

If you’re less of a hoarder than I and don’t have extras lying around, you can also make your own. I love to use tiny leftover sample containers and fill them with Vaseline (petroleum jelly) which usually comes in a massive tin. You can purchase mini-jelly containers, but making your own will save you a bundle. Vaseline is also my absolute favourite lip saver, and in a pinch you can moisturize just about any part of your face with it. So keep those tiny and adorable sample bottles handy friends!

This is often overlooked I know, this can sound ironic. Keeping my skin oily will keep it clear!? No, not oily but clean, moisturized and healthy!

I’m a stickler for this since I used to be terrible at moisturizing. I had horrific acne and thought adding additional moisture to my already oil-stricken face was ridiculous. I’ve since wised up and learned the importance of moisturizing and how it can actually prevent the over-production of sebum (you can read more about one of my favourite moisturizers here). In transitional months your skin is adjusting to the changing conditions and outside air but your skin-care routine should remain consistent. If you’re consistent, the changes won’t affect your skin since you’re protecting your face with a lovely layer of moisturizer. Applying it right after you wash your face or shower is key to accomplishing the best “shield” since your pores will drink it right in.

Basically you should be moisturizing all the time, no matter the season or temperature. Raining? Moisturize. Sunny? Moisturize (and probably SPF). Volcano? Earthquake? Monsoon? Moisturize (I’m kidding, but I think I’ve made my point). I don’t care what the weather is doing, you should be moisturizing! This should be a regular part of your face-washing routine (more about that next) but in my opinion moisturizing is the single most effective way to keep skin clear of acne and looking its best. What type you use is up to you and depends on what type of skin you have, but a non-comedogenic , fragrance-free and oil-free option is best for those of us who are prone to those little red bumps of torture.

So you do all these things, wash your face like a maniac, use only the best and most thoroughly researched products, moisturize, and are still having acne problems. What’s the deal!?

Well let me ask you this: When was the last time you threw your scarves, hats, headbands and ear-warmers into the laundry bin? Ever given the antibacterial treatment to your glasses or sunnies?

This is exactly what happened to me. I was so careful about how I treated my skin and my face. I followed every cleansing tip and step religiously, but I was still the host of unwelcome zit guests (I didn’t invite you, go away). Most often, they would arrive during transitional seasons where my scarves and hats were worn allllll winter, or stored from the season before. You come in the front door from a long day, you throw your accessories into the closet and forget all about them. On laundry day, you empty the hamper but those outdoor items certainly don’t make it into the washing machine on a weekly basis. Now, that’s exactly where those little blackhead pals and their acne friends hitch a ride.

In the spring, I love to slip on a lighter jacket but may still need a hat or scarf to keep me warm. Scarves are a fantastic transition piece (more on that here: “Hint of Spring: Outfit Transition Tips”) but they need laundry love just like your regular clothes. You wear them all the time to keep cozy but they also rub against your chin, neck and face while you do. Hats, headbands and ear-warmers fit snuggly on your head, making direct contact with your forehead which is often the oiliest part of your face. So there you have it, the source of dirt, bacteria and therefore acne. Every so often, grab a antibacterial wipe or gel and give your glasses and sunglasses a once over. Those breakouts between your eyes? Probably not a coincidence! Makes you wonder about your phone and pillowcase too doesn’t it!? Eek! Be diligent, give them a cleaning.

Your skin care routine should be exactly that, a routine. You can be as wild and spontaneous as you want on Friday or Saturday night, but when you’re finished dancing the night away work that nightly skin routine as well as you did the dance floor. Committing yourself to a twice-daily regimen of cleansing, treatment and serum will save you from panicking at the sight of an incoming intruder. They’ll just be less likely to arrive as you’re consistently maintaining your skin. How complicated you choose to make your routine is up to you, but at a minimum make sure you remove make-up, wash and moisturize (of course).

If you’re looking for an easy step-by-step process to combat those pesky prowlers real-u is a one system I can highly recommend. After doing my research, I decided to try it for a few months thanks to the advice of Ebony – the brains behind this gentle acne solution. By now, you guys may be noticed I’m a bit of a hippie, with my organic clothing and healthy recipes (I can admit it). So, if you’re a natural-enthusiast like me, real-u is right up your alley. Many traditional acne formulas have been tough on my sensitive skin, drying it out and striping it to the point of peeling. All the benzoyl-salicylic this and that can especially be harsh when the air is dry and temperatures are fluctuating. This bundle is a super soothing system if you’re looking for your go-to routine.

So hopefully you’ll be able to avoid those nasty trespassers and keep your face clear, healthy and glowing regardless of the climate you’re in. Oh and also, if anyone has seen spring, could you send some over to Toronto? I know we’d all appreciate it, and so would my skin!

Seen in this post:
real-u Control Bundle, find it here.

Anna

Disclosure: I received this product from real-u in exchange for inclusion in this post, all of the photos, opinions and silly comments are my own of course.